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Phoenix honors firefighters Anthony Mock and Frank Contraras at city memorial
Summary
A May 14 memorial at City Hall commemorated firefighters Anthony Mock and Frank Contraras; speakers called for increased cancer screenings, recognized unions and family members, and credited recent city investments to improve firefighter safety and department performance.
City leaders, union representatives and family members gathered May 14 to honor Phoenix firefighters Anthony Mock and Frank Contraras and to urge colleagues and residents to prioritize cancer screenings and firefighter safety.
The fire chief (identified in the transcript as Chief Duran) opened with praise for the two fallen firefighters and thanked the mayor, city manager and council for supporting measures such as decontamination processes and annual cancer screenings. The chief and several speakers framed the event as not only a remembrance but also a call to action for continued screening and support for firefighters and their families.
Speakers including union leaders Kelsey Reed (Administrative Supervisory, Professional and Technical Employee Association), Jason Delgado (Laborers Local 777), Jess Mayer (AFSCME Local 2384), Frank Polei (AFSCME Local 2960) and Brian Willingham (United Phoenix Firefighters Association Local 493) described the sacrifices of public servants, emphasized solidarity and thanked the city for its support. A family member offered a personal tribute, saying, “He was the best dad and husband… I hope I can make you proud.”
Speakers credited the fallen firefighters with encouraging colleagues to get screened: the eulogist quoted Anthony Mock saying, “I hope my journey inspires someone to go get checked that otherwise wouldn't have, and their life will be saved through early detection.” Presenters said that, in the days after Mock’s passing, many firefighters scheduled cancer screenings at the Vincere Cancer Center.
The program included musical performances and a video tribute; staff noted that 101 employee names are already inscribed on the city memorial wall. Union representatives stressed that memorials reinforce the city’s responsibility to support public servants and their families.
Ending: The memorial combined remembrance with a public‑health message urging screenings and continued investment in firefighter safety and wellness.
Quote: “Service above self every single day,” the chief said while urging continued support for firefighter health programs.
